Car top carrier structure with locking means

ABSTRACT

A carrier structure for carrying articles above the roof of an automobile including a frame for the articles which mounts transversely of the roof by a pair of clamping devices that are attachable with the rain gutters along the sides of the roof. A key-operated lock on each clamping assembly prevents unauthorized removal of the carrier structure from the vehicle. In a second embodiment, a ski carrier is disclosed having a key-operated lock for securing the skis to the carrier and the carrier to the automobile.

United States Patent [151 3,638,844 Bronson 1 Feb. 1, 1972 [54] CAR TOPCARRIER STRUCTURE WITH [56] R ference Ci d LOCKING MEANS UNITED STATESPATENTS [72] Inventor: Joseph Bronson, 15397 Cruse Ave., 3 I32 7805/1964 Bindin g ..224/42.1 F Dem), 48227 3,239,1 l5 3/1966 Bott et al...224/42.1 F 122] Filed: Aug. 14, 1969 Primary Examiner-Gerald M.Forlenza 1211 Appl. No.1 85 Assistant Examiner-Jerold M. ForsbergRelated US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 732,378,May 27, 1968, Pat No. 3,525,46l.

US. Cl i ..224/42.l F

Int. Cl A ..B60m 9/00 Field of Search ..224/4l.45, 42. l B, 42.1 C,

224/42.l E, 42.1 F

Attorney-Hauke, Gifford and Patalidis ABSTRACT A carrier structure forcarrying articles above the roof of an automobile including a frame forthe articles which mounts transversely of the roof by a pair of clampingdevices that are attachable with the rain gutters along the sides of theroof. A key-operated lock on each clamping assembly preventsunauthorized removal of the carrier structure from the vehicle. ln asecond embodiment, a ski carrier is disclosed having a key-operated lockfor securing the skis to the carrier and the carrier to the automobile.

15 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures mmwm W75 3,638,844

INVENTOR. JOSEPH BRONSON F I e -2 7M4 m vZ/pm WWW m 13,638,844 SHEET 20F2 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH BRONSON CAR TOP CARRIER STRUCTURE WITH LOCKING MEANSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 732,378, filed May 27,1968now U.S. Pat. No. 3,525,461.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to carrier structures which are temporarily fastened to theexterior ofa vehicle, and more specifically to a structure of thischaracter having clamping means which are attachable to the vehicle withkey-operated locking means for preventing the unauthorized detachment ofthe structure from the vehicle.

2. Description ofthe Prior Art Numerous structures have been disclosedin the prior art for supporting articles on the exterior surfaces of anautomotive vehicle. Normally the manner in which the structure ismounted depends on the article that is to be supported; for instance,car top carriers are mounted on the vehicles roof to transport articlesthat cannot be accommodated within the interior of the vehicle. Othercarrier structures are mounted on the deck lid of the vehicle to supportskis, and the like, which are also of such a size that they cannot bereadily accommodated within the interior of the vehicle.

One common problem with the conventional carrier structures has beenrelated to providing a fastening device that can be inexpensively formedwith a relatively few components to provide a firm connection betweenthe structure and the vehicle. My aforementioned patent discloses such afastening means in the form of a clamping device which is engageablewith the rain gutters of a conventional automobile. The improvedclamping devices are mounted in pairs, one on each side of the roof ofthe vehicle to support a car top carrier frame on which an article thatis to be transported by the vehicle can be mounted.

A problem that has been related to ski carrier structures is that boththe skis and the carrier structure are usually rather expensive. Whenattached to the roof of an unattended vehicle, they can be removed fromthe vehicle by unauthorized parties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The broad purpose of the present invention isto provide a carrying structure mounted above the vehicles roof andwhich is connected to the vehicle by a pair of clamping devices whichengage the rain gutters along the side of the roof. The clamping devicesare provided with key-operated locks, preventing the unauthorizedremoval of the carrying structure from the vehicle. In the embodiment ofthe carrying structure used to carry skis, the locks prevent theunauthorized removal of the skis from the structure, as well aspreventing removal of the carrying structure from the vehicle.

The preferred ski-carrying embodiment of the present invention comprisesa frame having a base member with a length which substantiallycorresponds to the distance between the rain gutters along the sides ofthe vehicles roof. A clamping device, connected to each end of the baseof the frame, is adapted to support the frame above the vehicles roof. Apair of arms, each with one end pivotally mounted on the base membernear its center, extend outwardly toward the ends of the base member.

Each clamping device comprises an elbow-shaped clamping member havingthe portion disposed in a horizontal plane connected to the end of thebase member. The portion of the clamping member mounted in an upstandingposition has its lower, clamping edge in the trough of the rain gutter.The upstanding part has an opening adjacent its lower edge in which issupported an elongated metal strap having its lower end formed into ahook. The hook extends outwardly through the opening and is engageablewith the lower side of the rain gutter.

A pair of threaded fasteners, mounted on the inner side of theupstanding part are connected with the upper end of the strap so thatwhen the hook is located against the lower side of the gutter, thefastening members can be tightened by a wrench, to pull the strapupwardly until the rain gutter is tightly clamped between the clampingedge and the hook. The frame is then rigidly mounted in place. A starwasher, having radially extending spokes, is secured to the head of theupper fastener.

The upstanding part has an access opening to its inner side formed abovethe opening adjacent its lower edge for the wrench to engage the head ofthe upper fastener to either loosen or tighten the clamping hook. Theupstanding portion also has a socket opening immediately above theaccess opening for receiving a key-operated lock. The lock is secured tothe free end of a finger member that has the other end pivotally mountedto the free swinging end of the arm. A pair of inwardly extending lugsare also formed on the free end of the finger member. The lock has adisk-shaped cam eccentrically mounted on its inner end. A U-shapedlatch, slidably mounted on the inner side of the upstanding part, has aflange along its upper edge extending inwardly from the upstandingportion. A slot is formed on the latch to form means for engaging thestar washer when the latch is slid to its downward posi tion, preventingthe loosening of the fasteners. With the rain gutter tightly clampedbetween the hook and the clamping edge, the latch may be slid to itsdownward position. In the downward position, the latch covers the lowerportion of the access opening, the portion forming the slot engages thestar washer, and the flange of the latch rests on top of the upperfastener. The inner end of the lock may then be inserted into the socketopening, simultaneously with the insertion of the lugs into the upperportion of the access opening. The lugs maintain the latch in itsdownward position, preventing the unauthorized removal of the carrierfrom the vehicle. The eccentrically mounted cam may then be rotateddownwardly. In its downward position, the cam prevents the removal ofthe lock from the socket opening, maintaining the lugs in engagementwith the latch and the arm adjacent the base member, preventing theunauthorized removal of the skis from between the arm and the basemember.

In a second embodiment, the arms and fingers are eliminated so that thelock is inserted or removed directly from the socket opening to lock thebase member to the vehicle. An article to be carried may be then secureddirectly to the base member.

In summary, the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises acarrying structure mounted transversely of the vehicles roof by a pairofclamping devices that can be quickly and easily attached to the raingutter along the sides of the roof. In addition, a key-operated lockmeans on each of the clamping devices prevents the carrier from beingremoved from the roof. In the ski-carrying embodiment, the lock preventsboth the carrier from being removed from the roof and the skis frombeing removed from the carrier by a party who does not have the properkey.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description refers to the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters refer to like partsthroughout the several views and in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view showing a preferred ski carrier structureconnected to the rain gutters along the side of the roof;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view ofone end of the ski carrier structure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred clamping device with thekey-operated lock mounted in the socket opening in its locked condition;

FIG. 4 is an inside view of the clamping device with parts of the deviceillustrated in an exploded relationship;

FIG. 5 is a view as seen along lines 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the clampingdevice with the key-operated lock mounted in its socket opening in itslocked condition;

FIG. 7 is a view of one end ofthe second embodiment ofthe carrierstructure with the key-operated lock mounted in the socket opening;

FIG. 8 is an inside view of the second embodiment of the carrierstructure in the locked condition; and

FIG. 9 is a top view ofthe carrier structure shown in FIGS.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, FIG.1 illustrates a preferred skicarrying structure generally indicated at10, supported above the roof of a conventional automotive vehicle 12.and connected to a pair of rain gutters 14, which run along the sides ofthe roof. The structure 10 includes a frame which comprises an elongatedbase member 16 having a rectangularshaped cross section and a lengthslightly less than the distance between the rain gutters. A pair ofclamping supports 17 and 18, each having a rectangular-shaped crosssection slightly larger than that of the base member 16, are slidablymounted over the two ends of the member 16 and held in position by bolts18A threaded into the lower surface of the supports 17 and 18. Theposition of the supports 17 and 18 may be adjusted to allow forautomobiles having different distances between their rain gutters. Apair of identical elongated arms 20 and 22, each having one endpivotally mounted on bolts 24 and 26 carried on tabs 28 and 30 attachedto the clamping supports 17 and 18, extend outwardly from the inner endsof the supports 17 and 18 towards the outer ends thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, clamping supports 17 and 18 and arms 20 and22 each have a strip of resilient material 32 (FIG. 2) secured to theiropposing surfaces for clamping a pair of skis 34 therebetween.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of identical clamping devices,generally indicated at 36, are attached to the outer ends of thesupports 17 and 18 for securing the frame 15 to the rain gutters 14 andalso for attaching the free ends of arms 20 and 22 to the frame 15. Ascan best be seen in FIG. 2 each clamping device includes an elbowlikeclamping member 38 having an upper horizontal portion 39 secured to oneend of the support 17. The portion of the clamping member 38 mounted inan upstanding position has three vertical stiffening ribs 40 and a lowerclamping edge 42 which is engageable with the trough of the rain gutter14. The clamping edge 42 is slightly bent outwardly, as best seen inFIG. 3, in order to provide a better connection with the rain gutters ofmodern vehicles. Referring again to FIG. 2 the clamping member 38 has anopening 44 adjacent its lower clamping edge 42 and an access opening 46formed above opening 44. A socket opening 48 is formed in the clampingmember 38 immediately above the access opening 46. The clamping device36 also includes a metal strap 50 (FIG. 3) which functions as a second,cooperating clamping member having its lower end formed into a hook 52which is engageable with the lower side of the rain gutter 14, as shownin FIG. 3. The strap 50 is supported with its midsection extendingthrough the opening 44 of the clamping member 38 so that the hook 52 ismovable toward and away from the clamping edge 42, between a clampingposition in which it engages the lower side of the gutter I4 and arelease position in which it is spaced from the gutter and generallydisposed adjacent the outer side of the clamping member 38. The upperend 54 of the strap 50 is normally disposed on the inner side of theclamping member 38 and bent into a hookshaped section 56 having a slot58 (FIG. 4) formed in the middle of the bend and extending parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the strap. I

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 fastener member 60 has a pair of laterallyextending feet 62 on its lower end which are receivable in the hook 58when they are parallel to the hook. Referring to FIG. 4, a secondfastener member 64 has an elongated body threadably engaged with thefastener 60, a head 66 and a washer 68 disposed beneath the head 66 andsecured as by welding thereto. The washer 68, hereinafter also referredto as a star washer, is formed with radially extending spokes 70. Thewasher 68 is seated on a U-shaped support member 72, which is secured tothe inside surface of clamping member 38 by means of screws 74immediately beneath access opening 46v The fastener 64 extends throughopenings 73 formed in member 72. Still referring to FIG. 4, a U-shapedlatch'90 has legs 91 and 92 that extend downward from a body section 93slidably mounted adjacent the inside surface of the clamping member 36in slots 94 and 95 formed on the support member 72. A flange 96, formedon the upper end of the body 93, extends inwardly from the clampingmembers 38. A rectangular slot 98 is formed on the lower edge of thebody 93 between the legs 91 and 92.

The latch 90 may be raised to its upper position allowing entry throughthe access opening 46. When the latch is in its upper position, inwardlyextending tabs 97 and 99, formed on the free ends of legs 91 and 92,respectively, prevent the latch 90 from sliding off the support member72. With the latch 90 in its upper position, a wrench 76 may be insertedthrough access opening 46 to engage the head 66, as shown in FIG. 2,providing means for applying an effort on the fastener 64 for eitherclamping or releasing the device from the gutter 14. When the fastener64 is rotated in one direction, the feet 62 are prevented by thehook-shaped end 54 from rotating so that they draw the strap 50upwardly, which causes the hook 52 to tightly engage the lower side ofthe gutter 15 below the clamping edge 42. As the strap 50 is drawnupwardly, its back side abuts the clamping member 38 along edge 78 ofopening 44 so that the hook 52 is rigidly held in position. By rotatingthe fastener member 64 in its reverse direction, the feet 62 of thelower fastener are moved away from the head 66, allowing the hook 52 tobe moved away from the edge 42 of the clamping member 38 and to beseparated from the gutter 14 so that the clamping device can be detachedfrom the vehicle. If the wrench 76 is not available, the fastener 64 maybe tightened or loosened by means of a screwdriver inserted through theaccess opening 46 to turn the star washer 68, which, in turn. rotatesthe fastener 64.

A finger 80, as shown in FIG. 2, has one end pivotally mounted by meansof a bolt 82 on the free end of arm 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, apair of inwardly extending lugs 87 and 89 are formed on the free end ofthe finger 80. An extension arm 84, secured to the free end of thefinger 80, as by screws 101 or other conventional means, carries akeyoperated lock 86 having a disk-shaped, eccentrically mounted cam 88(FIG. 4) on its inner end.

With the hook 52 tightly engaging the lower side of the gutter 14, thelatch 90 can be moved to its downward position with the flange 96resting on the top of the head 66. In its downward position, the body 93of the latch 90 blocks the lower portion of the access opening 46 andthe sides forming the slot 98 engage the spokes 70 of the star washer 68preventing the washer from turning. Thus, with the latch 90 in itsdownward position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, access to the fastener 64is blocked and rotation of the fastener 64 to loosen the clamping device36 is prevented by the engagement of the slot 98 and the spokes 70. Apair of skis 34 may then be placed between the support 17 and the arm 20and the arm pulled downward until the opening 81 formed in finger is inposition for the insertion of projection 83 therethrough.

The inner end of the lock 86 is then inserted into the socket opening48, with the lugs 87 and 89 being simultaneously insorted into the upperportion of the access opening 46 that is not blocked by the latch 90. Inthis position, the lugs 87 and 89 engage the flange 46 to maintain thelatch 90 in its downward position, preventing the fastener 64 from beingrotated. Further, the extension 84 blocks the openings 46 and 48,preventing the unauthorized insertion of a tool therein to rotate thefastener 64.

A key 100, which may be separably joined to the lock 86, is operative torotate the eccentrically mounted cam 88 (FIG. 4)

approximately l80 from an unlocked position to a locked position. Withthe lock positioned in the access opening 48, the key 100 is rotated sothat cam 88 moves downward engaging the flange 96 of the latch 90 tofurther hold the latch in its downward position. With the cam 88 rotatedto the locked position, as shown in FIG. 4, the cam 88 engages clampingmember 38 preventing removal of the lock 86 from the socket opening 48.In the locked condition, the arm 20 is held in place by the lock 86,preventing the unauthorized removal of the skis 34 from the ski carrier.Further, the lock 86 maintains the lugs 87 and 89 in engagement with theflange 96 to maintain the latch 90 in its downward position, preventingthe clamping device 36 from being removed from the automotive vehicle12.

The key 100 can then be separated from the lock 86 leaving the clampingdevice in its clamped position and locked against removal. The insertionof the proper key in the lock 86 to rotate the eccentrically mounted cam88 in the opposite direction allows the lock 86 to be removed from thesocket opening 48. The key 100 has a coded contour in the conventionalmanner so that a party not having a similarly contoured key cannotoperate the lock and thereby release the clamping device 36 from thevehicle.

It is to be noted that the extension 84 and the lock 86 may be removedfrom the finger 80 by removing the screws 101 and the clamping devicecan then be used with a conventional padlock 99, as is shown in FIG. 3.With the hook 52 tightly engaging the lower side of the gutter 14, thefinger 80 is rotated downward and the lugs 87 and 89 inserted into theaccess opening 46 to maintain the latch 90 in its downward position. Anarm of the lock 99 is then inserted through the opening 85 formed inprojection 83 and the lock secured. In this condition. the lock 99prevents the finger 80 from being disengaged from the projection 83,preventing the arm 20 from being raised and the skis 34 from beingremoved. Further, the lock 99 prevents the lugs 87 and 89 from beingdisengaged from the latch 90, maintaining the device 36 in its clampedposition.

In summary, the carrying structure is placed transversely across theroof of the vehicle 12 with the clamping edge 42 being placed in thetrough of the rain gutter 14. The hook 52 of the strap 50 is placedaround the lower side of the gutter 14. The fasteners 60 and 64 are thenthreaded together with the aid of the wrench 76 through the accessopening 46, drawing the strap 50 upwardly causing the hook 52 to tightlyengage the lower side of the gutter 14. In this position, the clampingdevice 36 is rigidly secured to the vehicle 12.

The latch 90 may then be pushed to its downward position so that theflange 96 rests on the head 66, the body 93 of the latch 90 covers theaccess opening 46 and slot 98 engages the spokes 70 of the washer 68preventing the fastener 64 from being turned. A pair of skis 34 may beplaced on the support 17 and the arm pulled down on top of the skis. Theinner end of the lock 86 is then inserted through the socket opening 48,with the lugs 87 and 89 being inserted into opening 46 to engage theflange 96, maintaining the latch 90 in its downward position. The cam 88is rotated downward to its locked position, engaging the top of theflange 96 to further aid in maintaining the latch 90 in its downwardposition. With the cam in the locked position, the engagement of the cam88 with the clamping member 38 prevents the removal of the lock 86 fromthe socket opening 48, maintaining the arm 20 adjacent the support 17 toprevent the unauthorized removal of the skis 34 from the carrier. Thelatch 90 maintained in its downward position by the lugs 87 and 89prevents the unauthorized removal ofthe carrying structure 10 from thevehicle 12.

A second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6-9, wherein parts alreadydescribed are similarly numbered. The locking device in the secondembodiment is similar to the locking device as previously describedherein, except that the arm 20 and the finger 80 with the lugs 87 and 89have been removed. When the hook 52 is tightly engaging the lowersurface of the gutter 14 and the latch 90 is in its downward position,the keyoperated lock 86 mounted on the projection 84 is inserted intothe socket opening 48. The cam 88 may then be rotated to its lockedposition, engaging the flange 96 on the latch to maintain the latch inits downward position. In the locked position, the cam 88 engages theclamping member 38, preventing the lock 86 from being removed from thesocket opening 48.

As shown in FIG. 6, the clamping member 38 may be secured to the end ofawooden base member 102 by means of nuts and bolts 104. Alternatively,the clamping member 38 may be secured to the end of a metal tubular basemember 106 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 by means of bolts 108 and aclamping plate 110. If it is desired to place the carrier on carshaving'different lengths between the rain gutters, the bolts 108 may beloosened and the position of clamping member 38 on base member 106 maybe shifted to allow for the difference in distance between the raingutters. The article to be transported by the carrier may be secured tothe base member 102 or 106 by any convenient means.

It will be noted that the lock 86 with the projection 84 isinterchangeable between the ski carrier and the carrier shown in FIGS.6-9.

The carriers, illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, may also be utilized without thelock 86. Although without the lock 86 the latch 90 would not beeffective to prevent the unauthorized removal of the carrier from themotor vehicle, the latch 90 would still engage the star washer 68 toprevent self-loosening of the fastener 64.

Thus, it is understood that I have described several embodiments of anovel carrier structure that can be mounted on the roof of a vehicle andfirmly clamped to the rain gutters on each side of the roof.Key-operated locking means on the clamping means prevent an unauthorizedparty from removing the carrier from the vehicle. In one embodiment, thekeyoperated locking means prevents the unauthorized removal of thecarrier from the vehicle and further prevents the unauthorized removalofskis from the carrier structure.

Having thus described the invention by way of typical examples thereof,what is sought to be protected by the United States Letters Patent is asfollows:

I claim:

1. A theftproof clamping assembly for mounting a cargo carrier to theroof of an automotive vehicle having a rain gutter along a lateral sideof the roof, said clamping assembly comprising:

a first clamping member having a lower clamping edge engageable with thetrough ofthe rain gutter;

a second clamping member movably mounted on said first clamping memberand having a clamping section engageable with the lower surface of therain gutter;

fastener means movably mounted between said first and second clampingmembers for motion between a first position in which said fastener meansmaintains said second clamping member in a position securely engagingthe lower surface of the rain gutter, and a second position in whichsaid fastener means allows said second clamping member to be disengagedfrom the lower surface of the rain gutter;

a latch slidably mounted on said first clamping member for motionbetween a first position in which said latch prevents movement of saidfastener means from its first position when said fastener means is inits first position, and a second position in which said latch allowsmovement of said fastener means between its first and second position;and a key-operated lock on said first clamping member having an elementmovable by operation of the lock by a key which separates from the lockbetween a first position in which said element is operative to preventmotion of said latch from its first position, and a second position inwhich said element is inoperative to prevent motion of said latchbetween its first and second positions.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said fastener meansincludes a first and second threaded member, said first threaded memberhaving its lower portion connected to the upper end of said secondclamping member, said second threaded member being rotatably mounted onsaid first clamping member and having its lower portion threadablyengaging the upper portion of said first threaded member, wherebyrotation of said second threaded member in a first direction moves saidsecond clamping member toward the lower surface of the rain gutter, androtation of said second threaded member in a second direction allowssaid second clamping member to be separated from the lower surface ofthe rain gutter.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein said second threadedmember is engageable with a tool for applying an effort effective tomove said member in its first and second directions.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3, wherein said latch prevents theengagement of said tool with said second threaded member when said latchis in its first position.

5. The invention as defined in claim 2, including a washer havingradially extending spokes fixedly secured to said second threadedmember, and said latch being formed with a slot for engaging said spokeswhen said latch is in its first position.

6. The invention as defined in claim I, wherein said first clampingmember has a generally flat portion with said lower clamping edge formedthereon and an opening spaced above said lower clamping edge; saidsecond clamping member comprises an elongated substantially rigid straphaving one end bent to form a hook and its opposite end adapted forconnection to said fastener means, said strap being movably supported insaid opening in said first clamping member with said hook substantiallyon the outer side of said first clamping member and the opposite end ofsaid strap being on the inner side of said first clamping member; saidfastener means including a first and second threaded member, said firstthreaded member having its lower end connected to the upper end of saidstrap, said second threaded member being rotatably mounted on said firstclamping member and having its lower end threadably engaged with theupper end of said first threaded member; a washer having radiallyextending spokes secured to the upper end of said second threadedmember; and said latch being formed with a slot for engaging said spokesto prevent rotation of said second threaded fastener when said latch isin its first position.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6, including an access openingformed in said first clamping member adjacent the top of said secondthreaded member for insertion of a tool engageable with the top end ofsaid second threaded member for rotating said member, said accessopening being blocked by said latch when said latch is in its firstposition; and a socket opening formed in said first clamping memberabove said access opening for insertion of the portion of said lockcontain ing said element, said element preventing the removal of saidlock from said socket opening when in its second position.

8. A carrier for securing an article above the roof of a vehicle, saidvehicle having edge portions extending along each lateral side of theroof, said carrier comprising,

a frame;

means securing one end of said frame to a first of the edge portions;

a first clamping member connected to the other end of said frame andengageable with the second edge portion;

a second clamping member having a clamping section engageable with thesecond edge portion and mounted on said first clamping member for motionbetween a first position in which the second clamping member cooperateswith the first clamping member to attach the first clamping member tothe second edge portion, and a second position in which the secondclamping member allows the first clamping member to be detached from thesecond edge portion;

an arm member having one end pivotally mounted on said frame formovement between a first position in which said arm member is operativeto secure an article between said arm and said frame, and a secondposition in which said arm member is inoperative to secure an articlebetween said arm member and said frame; a key-operated lock connected tosaid arm member and engageable with said first clamping member when saidarm member is in its first position, said lock having an elementmovable, by operation of the lock by a key which separates from thelock, between a first position in which said element is operative whensaid lock is engaged with said first clamping member to prevent motionof the second clamping member from its first position when engaged withthe second edge portion and to prevent said arm member from being movedfrom its first position and a second position in which said element isinoperative to prevent motion of said second clamping member from itsfirst position; and first and second threaded fastener, said firstthreaded fastener having its lower end connected to said second clampingmember, said second threaded fastener being rotatably mounted on saidfirst clamping member and having its lower end threadably engaging theupper end of said first threaded fastener for moving said secondclamping member between its first and second positions.

9. A theftproof clamping assembly for mounting a cargo carrier to theroof of an automobile vehicle, said vehicle having a rain gutter along alateral side of the roof, said clamping assembly comprising a firstclamping member having a lower clamping edge engageable with the troughof the rain gutter;

a second clamping member movably mounted on said first clamping memberand having a clamping section engageable with the lower surface of therain gutter;

fastener means movably mounted between said first and second clampingmembers for motion between a first position in which said fastener meansmaintains said second clamping member in a position securely engagingthe lower surface of the rain gutter, and a second position in whichsaid fastener means allows said second clamping member to be disengagedfrom the lower surface of the ram gutter;

a latch mounted on said first clamping member for a motion between afirst position in which said latch engages said fastener means andprevents movement of said fastener means from its first position whensaid fastener means is in its first position, and a second position inwhich said latch allows movement of said fastener means between itsfirst and second positions; and

lock means on said first clamping member having an element movablebetween a first position in which said element is operative to preventmotion of said latch from its first position, and a second position inwhich said element is inoperative to prevent motion of said latchbetween its first and second positions.

10. The invention as defined in claim 8, including a washer havingradially extending spokes secured to said second threaded fastener; anda latch having a slot formed therein for engaging said spokes slidablymounted on said first clamping member for motion between a firstposition in which said slot engages said spokes to prevent rotation ofsaid second threaded member, and a second position in which said latchis inoperative to prevent rotation of said second threaded member.

11. The invention as defined in claim 10, including a finger memberhaving a lug member formed on one end pivotally mounted on the free endof said arm; and said lock is mounted on said finger adjacent said lugmember, said lug member being operative to maintain said latch in itsfirst position when said lug member is engaged with said first clampingmember, and said lock element is operative to maintain said lock andsaid lug member engaged with said first clamping member when said iockelement is in its first position.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11, including an access openingformed in said first clamping member adjacent the top of said secondthreaded member for insertion of said lug member; and a socket openingformed in said first clamping member above said access opening forinsertion of the portion of said lock containing said lock element, saidlock element preventing the removal of said lock from said socketopening when said lock element is in its first position.

13. A carrier for a motor vehicle having a roof and edge portionsextending along each lateral side of the roof, said carrier comprising:

a frame;

means securing one end of said frame to a first of the edge portions;

a first clamping member connected to the other end of said frame andengageable with the second edge portion;

a second clamping member having a clamping section engageable with thesecond edge portion and mounted on said first clamping member for motionbetween a first position in which the second clamping member cooperateswith the first clamping member to attach the first clamping member tothe second edge portion, and a second position in which the secondclamping member allows the first clamping member to be detached from thesecond edge portion;

an arm member having one end pivotally mounted on said frame formovement between a first position in which said arm is operative tosecure an article between said arm and said frame, and a second positionin which said arm is inoperative to secure an article between said armand said frame;

a finger member having one end pivotally mounted on said arm member anda lug means formed thereon for movement between a first position whensaid arm is in its first position in which said lug means engages saidfirst clamping member and is operative to maintain said second clampingmember in its first position, and a second position in which said lugmeans is disengaged from said first clamping member and is inoperativeto maintain said second clamping member in its first position; and

a tab member formed on said frame and engageable with said finger memberwhen said finger member is in its first position for securing saidfinger member in its first position when said tab member is engaged by alock.

14. The invention as defined in claim 13, wherein said finger member isformed with an aperture therethrough, and said tab member has one endsecured to said frame and an aperture formed in the other end, said tabmember projecting through said finger member aperture when said fingermember is in its first position.

15. A carrier for securing an article above the roof ofa vehicle, saidvehicle having edge portions extending along each lateral side of theroof, said carrier comprising a frame;

means securing one end of said frame to a first of the edge portions;

a first clamping member connected to the other end of said frame andengageable with the second edge portion;

a second clamping member having a clamping section engageable with thesecond edge portion and mounted on said first clamping member for motionbetween a first position in which the second clamping member cooperateswith the first clamping member to attach the first clamping member tothe second edge portion, and a second position in which the secondclamping member allows the first clamping member to be detached from thesecond edge portion;

an arm member having one end pivotally mounted on said frame formovement between a first position in which said arm is operative tosecure an article between said arm member and said frame, and a secondposition in which said arm member is inoperative to secure an articlebetween said arm memberand said frame; and lock means connected to saidarm member and having an element movable between a first position inwhich said element engages with said second clamping member when saidarm member is in said first position and prevents motion of the secondclamping member from its first position and also engages said arm memberwith said first clamping member to prevent said arm member from beingmoved from its first position.

1. A theftproof clamping assembly for mounting a cargo carrier to theroof of an automotive vehicle having a rain gutter along a lateral sideof the roof, said clamping assembly comprising: a first clamping memberhaving a lower clamping edge engageable with the trough of the raingUtter; a second clamping member movably mounted on said first clampingmember and having a clamping section engageable with the lower surfaceof the rain gutter; fastener means movably mounted between said firstand second clamping members for motion between a first position in whichsaid fastener means maintains said second clamping member in a positionsecurely engaging the lower surface of the rain gutter, and a secondposition in which said fastener means allows said second clamping memberto be disengaged from the lower surface of the rain gutter; a latchslidably mounted on said first clamping member for motion between afirst position in which said latch prevents movement of said fastenermeans from its first position when said fastener means is in its firstposition, and a second position in which said latch allows movement ofsaid fastener means between its first and second position; and akey-operated lock on said first clamping member having an elementmovable by operation of the lock by a key which separates from the lockbetween a first position in which said element is operative to preventmotion of said latch from its first position, and a second position inwhich said element is inoperative to prevent motion of said latchbetween its first and second positions.
 2. The invention as defined inclaim 1, wherein said fastener means includes a first and secondthreaded member, said first threaded member having its lower portionconnected to the upper end of said second clamping member, said secondthreaded member being rotatably mounted on said first clamping memberand having its lower portion threadably engaging the upper portion ofsaid first threaded member, whereby rotation of said second threadedmember in a first direction moves said second clamping member toward thelower surface of the rain gutter, and rotation of said second threadedmember in a second direction allows said second clamping member to beseparated from the lower surface of the rain gutter.
 3. The invention asdefined in claim 2, wherein said second threaded member is engageablewith a tool for applying an effort effective to move said member in itsfirst and second directions.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 3,wherein said latch prevents the engagement of said tool with said secondthreaded member when said latch is in its first position.
 5. Theinvention as defined in claim 2, including a washer having radiallyextending spokes fixedly secured to said second threaded member, andsaid latch being formed with a slot for engaging said spokes when saidlatch is in its first position.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 1,wherein said first clamping member has a generally flat portion withsaid lower clamping edge formed thereon and an opening spaced above saidlower clamping edge; said second clamping member comprises an elongatedsubstantially rigid strap having one end bent to form a hook and itsopposite end adapted for connection to said fastener means, said strapbeing movably supported in said opening in said first clamping memberwith said hook substantially on the outer side of said first clampingmember and the opposite end of said strap being on the inner side ofsaid first clamping member; said fastener means including a first andsecond threaded member, said first threaded member having its lower endconnected to the upper end of said strap, said second threaded memberbeing rotatably mounted on said first clamping member and having itslower end threadably engaged with the upper end of said first threadedmember; a washer having radially extending spokes secured to the upperend of said second threaded member; and said latch being formed with aslot for engaging said spokes to prevent rotation of said secondthreaded fastener when said latch is in its first position.
 7. Theinvention as defined in claim 6, including an access opening formed insaid first clamping member adjacent the top of said second threadedmember for insertion of a tooL engageable with the top end of saidsecond threaded member for rotating said member, said access openingbeing blocked by said latch when said latch is in its first position;and a socket opening formed in said first clamping member above saidaccess opening for insertion of the portion of said lock containing saidelement, said element preventing the removal of said lock from saidsocket opening when in its second position.
 8. A carrier for securing anarticle above the roof of a vehicle, said vehicle having edge portionsextending along each lateral side of the roof, said carrier comprising,a frame; means securing one end of said frame to a first of the edgeportions; a first clamping member connected to the other end of saidframe and engageable with the second edge portion; a second clampingmember having a clamping section engageable with the second edge portionand mounted on said first clamping member for motion between a firstposition in which the second clamping member cooperates with the firstclamping member to attach the first clamping member to the second edgeportion, and a second position in which the second clamping memberallows the first clamping member to be detached from the second edgeportion; an arm member having one end pivotally mounted on said framefor movement between a first position in which said arm member isoperative to secure an article between said arm and said frame, and asecond position in which said arm member is inoperative to secure anarticle between said arm member and said frame; a key-operated lockconnected to said arm member and engageable with said first clampingmember when said arm member is in its first position, said lock havingan element movable, by operation of the lock by a key which separatesfrom the lock, between a first position in which said element isoperative when said lock is engaged with said first clamping member toprevent motion of the second clamping member from its first positionwhen engaged with the second edge portion and to prevent said arm memberfrom being moved from its first position and a second position in whichsaid element is inoperative to prevent motion of said second clampingmember from its first position; and a first and second threadedfastener, said first threaded fastener having its lower end connected tosaid second clamping member, said second threaded fastener beingrotatably mounted on said first clamping member and having its lower endthreadably engaging the upper end of said first threaded fastener formoving said second clamping member between its first and secondpositions.
 9. A theftproof clamping assembly for mounting a cargocarrier to the roof of an automobile vehicle, said vehicle having a raingutter along a lateral side of the roof, said clamping assemblycomprising a first clamping member having a lower clamping edgeengageable with the trough of the rain gutter; a second clamping membermovably mounted on said first clamping member and having a clampingsection engageable with the lower surface of the rain gutter; fastenermeans movably mounted between said first and second clamping members formotion between a first position in which said fastener means maintainssaid second clamping member in a position securely engaging the lowersurface of the rain gutter, and a second position in which said fastenermeans allows said second clamping member to be disengaged from the lowersurface of the rain gutter; a latch mounted on said first clampingmember for a motion between a first position in which said latch engagessaid fastener means and prevents movement of said fastener means fromits first position when said fastener means is in its first position,and a second position in which said latch allows movement of saidfastener means between its first and second positions; and lock means onsaid first clamping member having an element movable between a firstposition in which said element is operative tO prevent motion of saidlatch from its first position, and a second position in which saidelement is inoperative to prevent motion of said latch between its firstand second positions.
 10. The invention as defined in claim 8, includinga washer having radially extending spokes secured to said secondthreaded fastener; and a latch having a slot formed therein for engagingsaid spokes slidably mounted on said first clamping member for motionbetween a first position in which said slot engages said spokes toprevent rotation of said second threaded member, and a second positionin which said latch is inoperative to prevent rotation of said secondthreaded member.
 11. The invention as defined in claim 10, including afinger member having a lug member formed on one end pivotally mounted onthe free end of said arm; and said lock is mounted on said fingeradjacent said lug member, said lug member being operative to maintainsaid latch in its first position when said lug member is engaged withsaid first clamping member, and said lock element is operative tomaintain said lock and said lug member engaged with said first clampingmember when said lock element is in its first position.
 12. Theinvention as defined in claim 11, including an access opening formed insaid first clamping member adjacent the top of said second threadedmember for insertion of said lug member; and a socket opening formed insaid first clamping member above said access opening for insertion ofthe portion of said lock containing said lock element, said lock elementpreventing the removal of said lock from said socket opening when saidlock element is in its first position.
 13. A carrier for a motor vehiclehaving a roof and edge portions extending along each lateral side of theroof, said carrier comprising: a frame; means securing one end of saidframe to a first of the edge portions; a first clamping member connectedto the other end of said frame and engageable with the second edgeportion; a second clamping member having a clamping section engageablewith the second edge portion and mounted on said first clamping memberfor motion between a first position in which the second clamping membercooperates with the first clamping member to attach the first clampingmember to the second edge portion, and a second position in which thesecond clamping member allows the first clamping member to be detachedfrom the second edge portion; an arm member having one end pivotallymounted on said frame for movement between a first position in whichsaid arm is operative to secure an article between said arm and saidframe, and a second position in which said arm is inoperative to securean article between said arm and said frame; a finger member having oneend pivotally mounted on said arm member and a lug means formed thereonfor movement between a first position when said arm is in its firstposition in which said lug means engages said first clamping member andis operative to maintain said second clamping member in its firstposition, and a second position in which said lug means is disengagedfrom said first clamping member and is inoperative to maintain saidsecond clamping member in its first position; and a tab member formed onsaid frame and engageable with said finger member when said fingermember is in its first position for securing said finger member in itsfirst position when said tab member is engaged by a lock.
 14. Theinvention as defined in claim 13, wherein said finger member is formedwith an aperture therethrough, and said tab member has one end securedto said frame and an aperture formed in the other end, said tab memberprojecting through said finger member aperture when said finger memberis in its first position.
 15. A carrier for securing an article abovethe roof of a vehicle, said vehicle having edge portions extending alongeach lateral side of the roof, said carrier comprising a frame; meanssecuring one end of said frame to a first of the edge portions; a firstclamping member connected to the other end of said frame and engageablewith the second edge portion; a second clamping member having a clampingsection engageable with the second edge portion and mounted on saidfirst clamping member for motion between a first position in which thesecond clamping member cooperates with the first clamping member toattach the first clamping member to the second edge portion, and asecond position in which the second clamping member allows the firstclamping member to be detached from the second edge portion; an armmember having one end pivotally mounted on said frame for movementbetween a first position in which said arm is operative to secure anarticle between said arm member and said frame, and a second position inwhich said arm member is inoperative to secure an article between saidarm member and said frame; and lock means connected to said arm memberand having an element movable between a first position in which saidelement engages with said second clamping member when said arm member isin said first position and prevents motion of the second clamping memberfrom its first position and also engages said arm member with said firstclamping member to prevent said arm member from being moved from itsfirst position.